“I Know I Can Do Anything Now”

Michaella is 19 years old and a junior at Kettering College, where she is preparing for a future in the medical field. For as long as she can remember, Michaella has always wanted to become a doctor and hopes to eventually complete her residency abroad through missionary work. While she has traveled internationally before, it was only for brief periods of time, and she hadn’t felt truly immersed. Michaella explained, “I never had the chance to experience the different culture fully. I also wanted to experience volunteering in another country on my own where I didn’t know anyone.” That being said, one of the first questions we had to ask was what she enjoyed most about her Ecuador Quest!

“It’s really quite difficult to choose only one thing that I enjoyed most about my Quest. I would definitely say the project experience was amazing and I would do it again. But also learning another culture on my own was a whole new experience in itself. Speaking Spanish and interacting with the local people is something you have to get used to fast.  It’s a whole different way of life. This also pushed me to my limits and really tested what I could and couldn’t handle. I feel like a stronger person from it and even more independent than I was before.”

At first though, being abroad on her own was difficult. Michaella explained, “There were times in the beginning where I definitely wanted to go home and forget I tried to do this on my own.  But I stuck through it and it definitely paid off in the end. The culture shock was also probably the hardest part of the trip. I had to learn a whole new language, culture, and way of life.” Michaella went on to describe her daily routine, waking up each morning around 6:00 am to get ready for the day. “My [host] mom would always make me breakfast consisting of fruit and toast.” Then Michaella would leave around 7:00 to walk to the bus for her first project up north; the bus ride usually took around 20 minutes. “Every day I would work from 8-12:30 pm, and then have classes 3 times a week from 2- 4 pm.” But as time went on, things did change.

“I started meeting new people and even introducing myself to people I didn’t know, just because I wanted to meet new people and have some friends to hang out with. It really made me jump out of my comfort zone. I would never do that in America. Once I changed projects, then I started working from 9-2 pm, and Spanish classes 3-5 pm. Around my 4th or 5th week, I knew the city 10 times better and could find my way around pretty easily. I started meeting new people and discovering fun things to do on the weekend or during the week at night. My friends and I would go out salsa dancing, try out different restaurants, anything to expose us to the new culture. The most rewarding and challenging experience was probably working with the kids in the school who had Down syndrome. They taught me so much and changed me on the inside. I feel like a different person and I know I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.”

At this point we asked her to tell us more about the children she worked with and her volunteer projects, to which Michaella replied, “How could I ever describe my volunteer work experience when there is so much to tell?! It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.” However she did elaborate, and an inspiring story of patience and compassion began to form.

“Working with the kids with Down syndrome changed my life. They made me into a completely different person. They gave me patience; they pushed me to my limits; and yes I do still want kids. I have a new-found respect for parents with kids who suffer of Down syndrome. It takes some special people to care for these children and the trials they endure every day. The teachers also taught me how to work with the kids, but in Spanish, which was the fun part. There were some amazing women who dedicate their lives to teaching these children so that they can live a normal life.”

Michaella continued to describe her other projects, including working in two clinics. The first, a physical therapy department, exposed her to many new practices of medicine. “The people were so nice and made me feel so welcome. They showed me a different side of Quito that I had never seen, especially since this was the south of Quito and not the north,” she explained. “I was able to learn some physical therapy techniques.” The last project was a clinic specifically for women, including pregnant women or women who needed surgery such as a hysterectomy. “I enjoyed this clinic as well since I am a pre-med major. I loved watching all of the surgeries and saw some amazing OBGYN cases,” said Michaella. “I had never seen a baby born so this was definitely an amazing experience for me. To see the parent’s face was one thing, but to see the baby for the first time come out of the mother– it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen. Overall, all three of my projects were amazing and I am so blessed to have worked in each of them for as long as I could.

Once we got a better sense for the projects Michaella worked on, we asked her to share any stories or personal anecdotes from her experience. “There were many experiences with the kids I worked with. They were some amazing kids and had the biggest hearts,” she said. “Saying goodbye to them was probably one of the hardest things I had to do. They were always willing to give hugs and kisses. Many times we would sing songs and dance in the classrooms. You couldn’t help but smile.” She continued describing special moments in the clinics, how the staff that worked there were just really good people. “There were tons of funny moments in the physical therapy clinic.” Overall, it sounded like Michaella had a truly rewarding experience.

“Volunteering in each of my three projects is something I will always remember. Another thing is the woman I have grown to be throughout my life and how I have changed after my trip. I know I can do anything now, and it is an amazing feeling and accomplishment. My trip has definitely shaped me into the person I am and want to become in the future. You realize what is more important to you in this life and the things you don’t really need.”

As our conversation began to wind down, we asked Michaella if she had any advice for future volunteers, words of wisdom, or even just simple packing tips. “Be prepared to jump out of your comfort zone. You have to push yourself, be strong and courageous and don’t give up,” she said. “There will be times when you want to give up. But in the end you won’t regret your trip and you will feel like a changed person.” Then she got right into packing advice, keeping it short and sweet.

“Don’t over pack but don’t under pack. I know it’s a difficult concept, but definitely research your destination thoroughly before traveling (weather). Take the packing list seriously. Don’t travel with your own expectations. Travel not knowing what to expect, and it will make the experience that much more rewarding.”

In closing, we briefly discussed Michaella’s future plans and whether she plans to continue her volunteer work. Since returning home she explained, she has signed up for multiple volunteer opportunities in her local community, including a home rehabilitation project and a Down Syndrome benefit walk taking place this month. But did her experience change her life plans?

“My life plans have not changed; they have only been enhanced. I still want to be a doctor to help people, but I will probably be volunteering a lot more often now. I see the world as a never-ending possibility for change. We can each change the world one step at a time if we are willing to take that challenge and push ourselves beyond our own limits. Getting out on my own and being completely independent as a volunteer in another country was one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I feel so blessed that I had the opportunity to do this. My missionary work will not stop here!”

Thank you Michaella for sharing your inspiring volunteer story with us! It’s not every day a volunteer has the opportunity to work on three separate projects during their stay. We hope your plans continue into the future so more projects may benefit from your medical skill set. We wish you the best of luck in your studies and career!